IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card: how to talk for two minutes
In IELTS Speaking Part 2 you get a cue card with a topic and bullet points, one minute to prepare with notes, then you speak for one to two minutes. Use the prep minute to jot keywords for each bullet, and aim to keep talking fluently until the examiner stops you.
Use the preparation minute
- •Write a few keywords, not sentences, for each bullet point on the card.
- •Add a personal example or story — concrete detail is easier to talk about at length.
While you speak
Cover all the bullet points, but treat them as a guide, not a checklist to rush through.
It is fine to hesitate to think about the idea; keep going rather than stopping to search for a perfect word. Fluency and coherence are one of the four marks.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?
For one to two minutes. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, so it is better to have too much to say than too little.
Can I make notes in Part 2?
Yes. You get one minute and paper to make notes, and you can look at them while you speak.
Does my accent lower my Speaking score?
No. Pronunciation is judged on how clearly you are understood; a non-native accent is not penalised.
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